Optical signal intensity incorporated rice seed cultivar classification using optical coherence tomography

•OCT was used to visualize the inner structure of rice seed through 2D cross-sectional, en face, and 3D volumetric OCT images.•The developed signal processing algorithm evaluates the back-scattered intensity of rice seed samples of different cultivars.•The back-scattered intensity difference of rice seed samples of different cultivars was evaluated to classify seed cultivars.•The obtained depth intensity can be utilized as a threshold parameter in intensity-based seed cultivar classifications.•Effective in assessing abnormality and moisture content of seeds, which will lead to discoveries in agricultural research.